Traveler's Notebook 'Departed' Stamp

This week, we're totally loving this Traveler's Notebook 'Departed' stamp. It has a solid wooden handle, brass plate and the stamp has all the makings of a passport-worthy stamp*. We sure are excited about filling in the date field, as long as it's not too close to the arrival date. 

The biggest question now is, where to next? We'd love to hear about your exciting travel plans so do share in the comments, it might inspire us to book our next trip!

*Please don't use it in your passport, we're not sure if that's legal. 

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Possibly the most beautiful Starbucks in the world

Located in Fukuoka and designed by architect Kengo Kuma

 

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Eslite Bookstore, Taipei Taiwan

There is little I enjoy more than coffee (hence my moniker) but a beautifully stocked bookstore is certainly one of them. 

A recent entry into my "favourite bookstores list" has to be the flagship Eslite Bookstore in Xinyi Taipei Taiwan. The Eslite chain is probably already famous amongst fellow Traveler notebook users since they do collaborations with them quite often to produce a limited edition collection of goods. Aside from that, they also produce their own masking tape, notebooks and other stationery. All bearing the Eslite name and usually features a famous quote on books. Quite lovely really.

Its not all just books either! There are six floors of goodies to look at and one of my favourite restaurants in Taipei is also located within it. FYI, its called Kiki's and the food is fantastic.

All in all, highly recommended.

Now, if only they started selling fantastic coffee too.

But then again, I might never leave...

 

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Traveler's Factory Order Name Stamp

In the last blog post, I talked about the Traveler's Factory. Whilst I was there, I picked up a kit for the 'Traveler's Factory Order Name Stamp' 

The kit comes in an kraft envelope, like the ones the TN notebook covers come in. Inside, you'll find an instruction sheet, a FAQ sheet, an order sheet and a prepaid return envelope. 

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1971.0"] Image: Traveler's Factory  [/caption]

There are 5 different designs you can choose from, names can only be written using the english alphabet (numbers and certain symbols included), both lower and uppercase letters can be used and character limits vary from design to design. 

Also, the stamps need a month to be made before they are sent and therefore, can only be mailed to a Japanese address. 

I sent the form off after a couple of days of mulling over what design to get and a month (and a bit) later, it arrived. The self inking stamp came in a small plastic sleeve and its small rectangular size made it very compact and portable. 

I chose the pen design, just because I thought I would feel fancy signing off letters and mail with this stamp. I use it to personalise stationery from time to time and it feels really great. 

My only complaint with it is that there's a sweet spot when pressing down on the stamp and thatt takes a few tries to get it, so definitely test it before you stamp the real thing. 

For more information (Japanese Only)

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Traveler's Factory, Nakameguro

If you're a fellow Traveler's Notebook user, a trip to Tokyo is not complete without a trip to the Traveler's Factory in Nakameguro. The Coffee Drinker and I visited this fabled place in November, 2015. 

It's a short walk from the train station and the building is located in a back alley. Since we were coming from lunch, we decided to take a taxi. We soon learnt that the Nakameguro back alleys were incredibly narrow, but our taxi driver was game and it wasn't long before we found ourselves standing in front of the Traveler's Factory. 

The building only had it's name painted on and a small shopfront. Step in and it feels like you've entered someone's house, someone who travels and displays the items they collect. 

The first floor contains the shop, you can find all the TN refills and accessories including leather items and anything you might need for your travels. Order your coffee or drink here and head to the second floor, there are seats and tables here. The room where custom notebooks are made is here, together with the toilets. 

On the day we visited, there was a mini exhibition on 'Herb Catalog'. As well as mini corners showcasing various TN special editions, such as the Hong Kong collection from a few years back. After a nice quiet tea break, we went back to the shop to play with the travel stamps. I also purchased a mail order name stamp, which I'll write about in another post. 

If you love TN, this is one place you should definitely visit. My next goal is to visit the TN store in Narita Airport (unfortunately, I've been flying into Haneda so have never had to the chance to visit it...yet). We'd love to hear about your trip in the comments below. 

 

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